Warfarin is used to prevent the formation of blood clots or their growth. It is prescribed in case of irregular heartbeat, valve prostheses and heart attack. It can also be prescribed to prevent venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
What is Warfarin?
Warfarin is an anticoagulant drug. It works by reducing blood clotting.
How should Warfarin be taken?
Warfarin is taken orally in the form of tablets. Typically, the dosage is one dose per day. Your doctor may prescribe a starting dose and then gradually increase or decrease according to the effect.
Side effects associated with Warfarin
Warfarin can cause severe bleeding, necrosis or gangrene.
Other possible side effects may include:
- Intestinal gas
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling
- Taste changes
- Hair loss
- Cold or chills
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if taking Warfarin triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Urticaria
- Rash
- Itching
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips or eyes
- Hoarseness
- Pain or tightness in the chest;
- Swollen hands, feet, ankles or calves
- Fever
- Infections
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive tiredness
- Lack of energy
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen
- Jaundice
- Flu-like symptoms
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Warfarin
The foods and drinks containing vitamin K and smoking can affect the effect of Warfarin.
Moreover, before starting treatment it is important to inform your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other medicine
- You are already taking warfarin-based drugs
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, remembering to mention acyclovir, allopurinol, alprazolam, antibiotics, anticoagulants, antifungals, anti-platelet, bicalutamide, bosentan, antiarrhythmics, calcium channel blockers, asthma drugs, anti-cancer, statins , anti-HIV, anti-narcolepsy, against tuberculosis, anticonvulsants, SSRIs, SNRIs, methoxsalen, metronidazole, nefazodone, oral contraceptives, oxandrolone, pioglitazone propranolol, vilazodone, coenzyme Q10, echinacea, garlic, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, herb St. John and Hydrastis canadensis
- You suffer (or have suffered) from diabetes, gastrointestinal infections, allergies to wheat
- You are wearing a catheter
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Lastly, it is important to inform surgeons and dentists about ongoing treatment with warfarin prior to any procedure.
